Fife Flyers must show they have what it takes

Jeff Hutchins argued last night that if success-hungry Fife Flyers want to stay at the top of the Elite League then they have to beat leading teams.

Early-season pace-setters Fife have an opportunity to prove that they are capable when they host second placed Belfast Giants tonight.

The statistics are simple. Fife have 20 points from 12 matches and Belfast have the same number of points but have played two games more.

Hutchins would love to emerge victorious and create a two-point gap over Belfast going into this weekend’s games.

Nottingham Panthers, who were beaten 7-5 at Kirkcaldy on October 20, are third with 20 points from 17 starts, with Cardiff Devils breathing down the necks of the top three with 18 points from only 10 games.

They won in Glasgow on Wednesday, Clan losing out by the only goal of the game, but Devils are the form team with seven straight wins.

Hutchins reported that Fife will be at full-strength with former Manchester Storm forward Marcus Basara again in the line-up.

He replaces crocked Chase Schaber and recorded his first goal in Sunday’s 4-1 home win over bottom club Milton Keynes Lightning.

Basara also assisted on Fife’s go-ahead goal after 41 minutes, five minutes before he netted.

Hutchins added: “If we want to stay at the top then we have to beat teams like Belfast.

“This will be a real test for us but we want to compete with the best and Belfast are among the best in this league.”

Fife Flyers assistant coach Jeff Hutchins believes his team can make a big statement with victory over Giants tonight.